Local radio groups also want reassurances from government over the length of time existing analogue radio licences will be allowed to run, and the extent to which the sector will be deregulated, as outlined in John Myers's report into the future of local radio.

Around 20 local radio executives were expected at the meeting hosted by the commercial radio trade body, the RadioCentre, in central London.

"The overall purpose is to consider the implications of the digital radio upgrade, with a particular focus on what the government called the ultra-local tier of stations," said the RadioCentre chief executive, Andrew Harrison.

"We'll be looking at the potential impact of stations serving small, local and rural markets, and considering which should migrate and which should remain on FM. How do we define 'ultra-local'?"

Harrison added that small radio operators wanted "clarity and certainty" over the next few years as the industry gears up for digital radio switchover. But it will only take place in 2015 if listening targets, including more than 50% of all listening via digital, are met by 2013.

Harrison said the meeting with Simon had been in the diary for some time. "It is very unfortunate [UTV and UKRD] chose to do what they have done," he added.

"[UTV Media GB chief executive] Scott Taunton talks about 2015 being 'farcical', while Absolute Radio announced in the latest Rajar that 50% of its listening [to its national AM service] is digital. They are both national AM stations, and one of them is saying a date in six years' time is farcical, and the other one has already met the switchover criteria. They can't both be right," Harrison said.

He added that it was crucial the commercial radio sector achieved the deregulation it wanted in the current digital economy bill, which is due to be included in the Queen's speech on the government's regulatory programme for the current parliamentary session on 18 November.

"The common agenda [of the commercial radio sector] is so much broader than where we disagree on digital," said Harrison.

"This is the last chance for three or four years. However passionate the Tories are about media and radio we can't assume there is going to be another Communications Act under a Tory government until at least well into the first term, and possibly not until the next government. This is the chance to secure what we can in the meantime."

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